The support I received from this group during my illness has prompted me to write. Prayerfully I may be able to encourage someone along the way.
I was diagnosed with an opthalmic aneurysm on the right side in September 2000. Prior to discovery, I had suffered from migraines for about 15 years. I am a 42 yr old female. My headaches were very frequent and often times disabling. I had a different kind of headache the end of August 2000 which scared me enough to seek medical attention. I was referred to a neurologist, who sent me for MRI/MRA and tons of blood work. The MRA confirmed the aneurysm.
I was told I needed to have an angiogram. Well... I panicked at the thought of this angiogram. It seemed very invasive. I put it off for 6 months. Not a wise decision. I repeated the MRI/MRA hoping this "thing" would have disappeared. Of course it hadn't. My neurologist referred me to a neuroradiologist who performed the angiogram. It reaffirmed the right opthalmic aneurysm, and also one on the left side. I was told that the right one needed to be corrected as soon as possible, and they would keep watch about the left side.
I was given the option of a coiling procedure, or surgery. I chose the coiling procedure, which was done in May. Unfortunately, the coil migrated out of the aneurysm and caused a small stroke. I recovered from that episode. Now I needed surgery to clip the aneurysm. That was scheduled for the end of June.
The surgery went well, however they did not clip, but chose to wrap the aneurysm due to it's location.. Had they clipped it I would have lost my sight in my right eye. I was BLESSED to have one of the best doctors in N.Y. do my surgery. I have healed well. My only complaint is fatigue and my concentration and thought processing is a little slower. This to shall pass another chance at life.
Those around me don't understand some of the minor difficulties I deal with. My outward appearance deceives even me, you can't tell by looking at me what I've been through. Since the surgery, I've pushed myself to the point where I'm exhausted, because I think I can do everything :) I'm just now learning 7 months later how to pace myself. I was out of work for 6 months, tried to go back on limited hours, and I'm back out again due to fatigue. I was told this is one of the major complaints following this type of surgery. All in all I know I am BLESSED.
I thank God everyday for my life. If I can be a help to someone out there, please feel free to write. This support group has been the only one I've had. Some of the stories shared prepared me for what I had to face. I thank all of you who shared your stories. Continued Health to ALL of you. Thanx for listening !
Peace and Blessings,